The majority of Exeter’s visitor attractions are free, so it’s easy to spend the weekend here on a shoestring budget.
Discover more about the city’s 2,000 year history on a Red Coat Guided Tour. Exeter is one of only a few cities in Britain to offer free guided walking tours, made possible by a group of volunteers and their passion for Exeter and its long and fascinating history. There is not a lot the Red Coats don’t know about Exeter, and they love to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors to the city. A range of tours run daily, and there is no need to book – just turn up!
Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum was awarded Museum of the Year when it reopened after a major redevelopment project several years ago, and it has since continued to go from strength to strength, with 16 galleries of displays and exhibits from all over the world to see and touch. Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm, admission is completely free.
If you’re a film fan, a visit to the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is a must. Located on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, this museum is dedicated to the audience's experience of the moving image, home to one of the largest collections in Britain. Explore the visual culture from magic lanterns to Marilyn Monroe, all completely free. Open daily 10am – 5pm.
Tucked away on Mint Street, you’ll find St Nicholas Priory, founded by William the Conqueror in about 1087. Today you can visit the former refectory wing of this 11th century Benedictine monastery, which is presented as the 1602 home of the wealthy Hurst family, who acquired it after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is adorned with quality replica furniture and displays Tudor panelling painted in the bright colours of the period. Open on Sundays 1 – 4pm and for special events including theatre productions and classical music concerts – an intimate and fantastically unique experience!
Much of Exeter’s historic affluence was due to the woollen cloth trade, and plenty of evidence of this still exists on the city’s historic quayside. See the King’s Beam in the Transit Shed, an iron contraption used by customs officers for suspending weighing scales when assessing the duty on imported goods, and visit the Custom House, built in 1680 to house customs officials, and today open as a visitor centre, offering free admission.
Live like a student (if only in terms of budget) by staying at the University of Exeter. Event Exeter offers bed & breakfast in the university’s halls of residence, set in 300 acres of Green Flag awarded gardens yet only a short walk from Exeter city centre. Available during the university’s Easter and summer holidays, room rates start from just £55. Book online here.
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